The Ovation Channel was created by Optus Television to "present dance, opera, theatre, literature, jazz, classical music, design and even fashion, food and wine", modelling it on Canada's Bravo!, which formally focused on such programming.[1][3]

In March 2006, management of the channel was given to Independent Entertainment, a company run by former SBS head Paddy Conroy under a deal that would see Optus retain ownership until 2009.[4]

In November 2009, it was announced that Foxtel had declined to continue broadcasting Ovation on its platform in 2010.[5] A few days later it was announced that a new arts and entertainment channel run by SBS Television would be replacing Ovation.[6] The following statement was taken from the Ovation Channel's website:

The Ovation Channel has been advised that from early next year it will no longer be broadcast on Foxtel.As a result Ovation will also not be available on Austar.In the meantime, Ovation will continue to provide you with the excellent arts and entertainment programming that you have enjoyed for over 13 years.Ovation thanks you, its large and loyal audience, and invites you to make a comment if you wish.

In March 2010 it was announced that the channel would become a la carte from 1 June on the Foxtel and Austar platforms.[7]

It is currently available in Australia on subscription services Austar, Fetch TV and Optus. It was formerly available on SelecTV until the closure of its English service in late 2010.[8]

On April 18, 2012, AUSTAR stated that as of May 31, 2012 Ovation would cease to broadcast.[9] Ovation later announched that they would continue to be available via the internet, and in the coming month's on LG, Samsung, and PanasonicSmart TV's.[10]